William Cowan "Willie" Rennie (born 27 September 1967) is a Scottish politician associated with the Liberal Democrats. He served as Member of Parliament for Dunfermline and West Fife after a 2006 by‑election and later became a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Mid Scotland and Fife region. Rennie led the Scottish Liberal Democrats from 2011 until 2021 and is known for emphasising local services, education and business support while positioning his party as a liberal, pro‑European voice in Scotland.

Early political ascent and Westminster

Rennie first won national attention by capturing a Westminster seat in the 2006 by‑election for Dunfermline and West Fife. His time in the House of Commons coincided with a period of shifting party fortunes in Scotland. He lost the parliamentary seat to Labour in the 2010 general election, a result that reflected wider electoral changes across the UK and in Scotland in that cycle.

Advisory roles and return to Scottish politics

After leaving the Commons, Rennie worked in advisory roles connected with Scottish government affairs. He served as a special government adviser in the Scotland Office, working with ministers including Danny Alexander and Michael Moore in ministerial or advisory capacities. He returned to elected politics at the 2011 Scottish Parliament election when he won a regional list seat for Mid Scotland and Fife.

Leadership of the Scottish Liberal Democrats

Soon after his election to Holyrood, Rennie was chosen to lead the Scottish Liberal Democrats, replacing Tavish Scott. He served as leader from 2011 to 2021, a decade in which the party sought to rebuild organisational strength after electoral setbacks and to present a distinct liberal alternative to both the Scottish National Party and larger UK parties. Rennie's leadership emphasised practical campaigning, local councillor development and clearer policy messaging for voters across urban and rural communities.

Policy priorities and positions

Throughout his parliamentary and party career, Rennie has been associated with priorities that include strengthening local services, supporting schools and colleges, encouraging small business and local economic regeneration, and defending pro‑European positions. He has often framed arguments around the need for effective local representation and for policies that help towns and rural areas adapt to economic change.

Electoral record and roles

  • Member of Parliament for Dunfermline and West Fife (elected 2006; served until 2010)
  • Special government adviser in the Scotland Office, working with senior ministers including Danny Alexander and Michael Moore
  • Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Mid Scotland and Fife region (elected 2011 and subsequently re‑elected)
  • Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats (2011–2021), replacing Tavish Scott and preceding later leaders

Context and significance

Rennie's career spans a period of notable change in Scottish politics: the rise of the Scottish National Party, intense debate over devolution and independence, and shifts in party alignments following UK coalition government arrangements. His work combined constituency campaigning with efforts to articulate a centrist, liberal alternative in Scotland. Observers have noted his focus on rebuilding the party's grassroots and on issues affecting smaller towns, local public services and education.

Further information and sources

This summary offers an overview of Rennie's public roles and priorities. For official biographies, current parliamentary profiles, voting records and policy statements consult party materials and public records: see the Scottish Liberal Democrats site and the party leadership page, along with archival electoral records and contemporary press coverage for more detailed timelines and analysis.